Iwayado tansu (Iwayado traditional chest) is a traditional high-end Japanese furniture that has been passed down in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, characterized by the heavy beauty created by the combination of sturdy zelkova wood grain and Nambu iron hardware.
Combining both practicality and artistry, Iwayado tansu has fans nationwide as furniture passed down through generations and is highly valued as a masterpiece showcasing the craftsmanship of Tohoku artisans.
This article provides a detailed explanation of its historical background, unique manufacturing techniques, beautiful harmony with Nambu iron hardware, and the charm that continues to be passed down to the present day.
Please discover the depth of traditional crafts and feel the value of “authentic” items that can be used for a long time.
Table of Contents
What is Iwayado tansu (Iwayado traditional chest)?
Iwayado tansu is a traditional high-end chest with approximately 240 years of history, centered in the Esashi district of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture (formerly Iwayado Town, Esashi City).
Its characteristics lie in the “nail-free” structure utilizing sturdy zelkova solid wood and paulownia wood, deep lacquer coating, and heavy hardware decoration inheriting Nambu ironware techniques.
The techniques continuing from the Edo period are still preserved by artisan handwork today and are designated as national traditional crafts.
From Japanese-modern designs suitable for contemporary living spaces to solemn designs befitting formal Japanese rooms, these “lifetime” furniture pieces are highly valued for their ability to accompany people’s lives and be cherished for long periods. Here, we will explain in detail their history, structural characteristics, and decorative beauty.
Traditional Tansu Continuing for 240 Years in Esashi, Iwayado, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture
The origins of Iwayado tansu date back to the Tenmei era (1781-1788) of the mid-Edo period in Iwayado, Esashi District, Nambu Domain (present-day Iwayado Town, Esashi District, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture). This region has long been a producer of high-quality timber, with particularly abundant sturdy zelkova wood available.
Chest making developed as a side business for domain retainers and winter work for farmers, and by the late Edo period, specialized craftsman groups were formed, competing for quality.
From the Meiji period onward, sales channels expanded nationwide with modernization, establishing its position as a furniture brand representing Iwate. Currently, the Iwayado Tansu Production Cooperative maintains quality standards while training craftsmen in traditional methods and ensuring successor development and skill inheritance.
This 240-year journey goes beyond mere furniture manufacturing, being deeply rooted as an important industry supporting regional culture and economy.
Sturdy Zelkova Solid Wood × Paulownia Drawers with “Nail-Free” Long-Life Structure
The fundamental appeal of Iwayado tansu lies in its sturdy and long-lasting structure combining zelkova solid wood and paulownia wood.
The outer frame uses hard and durable zelkova wood, forming beautiful face panels that showcase the wood grain. Meanwhile, the interior of drawers uses light paulownia wood with excellent moisture resistance, protecting clothing and valuables from humidity and insect damage.
Particularly noteworthy is the traditional method called “nail-free,” which achieves strong joints without using metal nails by utilizing woodworking techniques such as mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, and various joinery methods.
This structure has minimal warping and loosening, boasting durability that allows continuous use for decades to a century.
Additionally, craftsmen are well-versed in wood drying, shrinkage, and aging changes, adjusting designs according to regional climate.
These traditional woodworking techniques support the “functional beauty” that allows long-term use.
Deep Luster of Lacquer Coating and Solemn Hardware Inherited from Nambu Ironware Create Dignity
The solemnity felt at first glance of Iwayado tansu comes from the deep luster of lacquer coating and heavy hardware decoration. Surface finishing uses techniques such as “wiping lacquer” and “wooden ground lacquer” where natural lacquer is applied multiple times and polished, highlighting the zelkova wood grain while enhancing durability and water resistance.
Time-consuming coating shows different expressions depending on light conditions and creates a smooth texture. Additionally, wrought iron hardware applying Nambu ironware techniques, a traditional Iwate industry, is crafted by artisans who hammer out each piece individually and apply carving and inlay work. Featuring auspicious patterns such as flora and fauna or family crests, they combine artistry with security functions.
This exquisite harmony of lacquer and iron makes Iwayado tansu not merely storage furniture but a special existence passed down through generations as “family treasures.”
History of Iwayado Tansu: From Date Domain Official Use to Traditional Craft Designation
Iwayado tansu is one of Japan’s premier traditional furniture pieces, boasting approximately 240 years of history centered in Iwayado Town, Esashi District, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. Its beginnings trace back to the mid-Edo period when the Iwaki clan, lords of Iwayado Castle under the Date domain, encouraged samurai and local woodworking craftsmen to produce chests, leading to the formation of a production area.
Through the fusion of regional resources and crafts including “nail-free” joinery techniques using sturdy zelkova and paulownia wood, lacquer coating, and heavy hardware decoration derived from Nambu ironware, a unique aesthetic style was established. From the Meiji period onward, sales channels expanded nationwide via Kitakami River water transport, and during the Showa period, it was reevaluated through Tokyo exhibitions and national traditional craft designation. Here, we will explain in detail the history of Iwayado tansu divided into three periods.
Mid-Edo Period: Tenmei Era Iwayado Castle Lord Ordered Chest Production, Forming Production Area
The origins of Iwayado tansu are said to begin in the mid-Edo period during the Tenmei era (1781-1788) when the lord of Iwayado Castle encouraged local samurai and farmers to produce chests. At that time, the cold climate of the Tohoku region prevented agricultural work during winter, so samurai and farmers engaged in woodworking as a side business.
The Iwayado area was blessed with high-quality timber such as zelkova and paulownia, leading to the creation of sturdy and beautiful chests utilizing these materials. Additionally, metalworking techniques influenced by the Nambu domain were incorporated into decorative hardware, completing heavy chests with unique designs.
Thus, Iwayado tansu became highly valued as wedding furniture and gifts for the samurai class, solidifying the foundation as a production area. Craftsmen refined their techniques under the protection of domain lords while building a transmission system to pass skills to future generations.
Meiji Period: Nationwide Distribution via Kitakami River Water Transport, Establishing as “Warehouse-Replacement” Furniture
Entering the Meiji period, the abolition of domains eliminated domain lord patronage and reduced demand from the samurai class, while furniture demand expanded nationwide with improving living standards among common people. Iwayado tansu was shipped via Shimokawara Port on the Kitakami River to various parts of Tohoku including Morioka and Sendai, later expanding sales channels to the Kanto market through railway network development and Tokyo exhibitions.
Particularly popular as “warehouse-replacement” wedding trousseau furniture, its reputation for sturdiness and longevity formed a furniture culture where it was passed down as “lifetime” pieces. The combination of luxuriousness and practicality in design—including nail-free joinery structure combining zelkova solid wood and paulownia drawers, deep lacquer coating, and heavy Nambu ironware-style hardware—gained appreciation from wealthy urban classes, becoming the driving force that spread the Iwayado tansu name nationwide.
Showa 57: Designated as National Traditional Craft, Reevaluated through Tokyo Exhibitions
After the war, demand for Japanese chests temporarily decreased due to the westernization of housing during the high economic growth period. However, starting in the early 1970s when featured in Tokyo department store exhibitions, the value of traditional furniture was reconsidered, and by the 1970s, it was again in the spotlight.
Particularly, receiving designation as a “Traditional Craft” from the Minister of International Trade and Industry in 1982 was a major turning point. This system established strict production standards, institutionalizing quality assurance and production area brand protection.
Subsequently, live sales demonstrations at traditional craft exhibitions and department store events in major cities like Tokyo were covered by media, leading to widespread reevaluation of Iwayado tansu’s appeal including deep lacquer luster and decorative hardware derived from Nambu ironware. Currently, the Iwayado Tansu Production Cooperative continues efforts to pass traditions to the future, including craftsman training, raw material management, and domestic and international sales channel expansion.
Three Commitments Supporting Iwayado tansu (Iwayado traditional chest)
Iwayado tansu is a traditional furniture craft passed down for approximately 240 years in the Iwayado district of Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, and is designated as a national traditional craft. What supports its value is not merely beautiful appearance, but design that combines structurally excellent durability and practicality.
Advanced woodworking techniques using high-quality domestic zelkova such as frame assembly and three-way mitering, paulownia drawers with excellent moisture and insect resistance, and precise wood joinery structure without nails—all represent the essence of traditional crafts. Here, we will explain in detail the three commitments that make Iwayado tansu “lifetime furniture” passed down through generations.
Detailed Frame Assembly and Three-Way Mitering Utilizing Domestic Zelkova Flat Grain
One of the great appeals of Iwayado tansu lies in its outer frame structure using sturdy and beautiful domestic zelkova wood. Zelkova is a domestic hardwood with excellent durability and decay resistance, and its beautiful flat grain is further enhanced by painting or lacquer coating.
Craftsmen carefully select single-board wood grain and cut wood according to product design so joints are inconspicuous. Particularly in the traditional technique of “frame assembly” for sturdily assembling outer frames, components are firmly interlocked to prevent warping and cracking. Furthermore, corners use high-difficulty joints called “three-way mitering,” naturally connecting wood grain from each surface while enhancing strength.
This realizes structure that resists warping over time while achieving both weightiness and beauty. This design philosophy utilizing zelkova wood characteristics is an important element determining Iwayado tansu’s dignity.
Paulownia Drawers with Excellent Moisture and Insect Resistance and Sliding Dovetail Structure to Prevent Warping
The internal structure of Iwayado tansu contains wisdom adapted to Japan’s climate. Drawer sections use paulownia wood, which is lightweight with excellent humidity control and insect resistance.
Paulownia has the property of absorbing and releasing humidity changes, protecting clothing and precious items from moisture and insect damage. Additionally, drawer joints employ “dovetail joints,” a structure where joint surfaces are cut diagonally and interlocked in a dovetail shape, following wood shrinkage and expansion due to drying and moisture while suppressing warping and rattling.
Furthermore, repeated adjustments with hand planes while calculating wood movement result in extremely smooth drawer opening and closing with high airtightness and minimal warping even with long-term use. This design fusing paulownia wood characteristics with advanced joinery techniques supports Iwayado tansu’s value as practical furniture.
Advanced Joinery and Joint Techniques Assembling Only with Wood Joinery Without Nails
The reason Iwayado tansu is also called “nail-free chest” lies in traditional woodworking techniques that precisely combine wood pieces without relying on metal nails. The main body and drawer structures use various joinery and joint methods such as “mortise and tenon joints,” “dovetail joints,” “wrapped dovetail joints,” and “wooden pins,” designed so joints don’t loosen even when wood receives various forces including tension and twisting.
Without using nails or screws, joint cracking and rust don’t occur, flexibly responding to wood shrinkage and expansion. These joinery techniques are finished by adjusting each component with hand tools based on craftsman experience and intuition, making them unsuitable for mass production.
However, durability is outstanding, creating furniture that can be used continuously for decades, sometimes even centuries. This advanced wood joinery structure without nails is the true reason Iwayado tansu is called “lifetime furniture.”
Hardware and Lacquer Coating──Decorative Processes Where Craftsmanship Shines
Iwayado tansu is not only furniture boasting sturdy structure and practicality, but its solemn beauty is also a major appeal. Supporting this decorative beauty are two traditional techniques: “hardware” and “lacquer coating.”
Wrought iron hardware following the tradition of Nambu ironware finely hammers out auspicious patterns such as arabesque and crane-turtle motifs, giving dignity and elegance to the entire chest. Meanwhile, lacquer coating uses multi-layer coating methods such as wiping lacquer and variation coating to create deep luster that shines with iridescent colors.
Furthermore, in recent years, techniques such as gold leaf application and silver polishing have been incorporated, developing designs that harmonize with contemporary interiors. Here, we will explain in detail the decorative processes that make Iwayado tansu works of art from three perspectives: hardware, lacquer coating, and contemporary techniques.
Heavy Hardware Forging Auspicious Patterns like Arabesque and Crane-Turtle with Nambu Iron
What immediately impresses viewers of Iwayado tansu is the heavy hardware decoration with black luster. This hardware is “wrought iron hardware” rooted in Nambu ironware techniques, Iwate’s pride, where craftsmen heat iron plates and hammer them out, cut them, and carve patterns to form them.
Representative designs include auspicious patterns such as crane-turtle symbolizing longevity and arabesque representing vitality, enhancing the status as wedding furniture. These patterns serve not merely as decoration but as protective charms with meanings like “protecting the house” and “wishing for family prosperity.”
Hardware also serves security functions, contributing to structures that firmly lock drawers and doors. Even today, all processes are done by hand, achieving texture and weightiness impossible with mass-produced items. Hardware derived from Nambu ironware is a symbolic presence carving dignity and tradition into Iwayado tansu.
Wiping Lacquer, Flower Coating, Variation Coating──Iridescent Luster Born from Multi-Layer Coating
Another characteristic of Iwayado tansu is the deep luster from lacquer coating. Natural lacquer is used for finishing, and “multi-layer coating” repeating coating and polishing several to dozens of times creates depth luster that reflects light like iridescent colors while showcasing wood grain.
The most basic “wiping lacquer” technique applies thin lacquer and wipes it with cloth to bring out wood grain while enhancing water and durability resistance. Furthermore, processes called “flower coating” and “variation coating” use colored lacquer, gold powder, and silver powder to create complex and gorgeous patterns.
This makes each piece unique in design, with luster deepening and character increasing with use. Craftsmen perform coating and polishing at precise timing while reading wood condition and temperature/humidity, adjusting coating thickness and color tone. Lacquer coating is truly the life-determining process of Iwayado tansu’s “status.”
Gold Leaf Application, Silver Polishing and Other Contemporary Design Harmony Techniques
Another appeal of Iwayado tansu is its continuous evolution while preserving tradition. In recent years, new designs incorporating techniques such as “gold leaf application” and “silver polishing” in addition to traditional methods have been developed.
Gold leaf application delicately applies gold leaf to lacquered surfaces, further enhancing formality and luxury. Meanwhile, “silver polishing” mixes silver powder into lacquer for coating and polishes after drying, creating modest and elegant brilliance.
These techniques harmonize not only with traditional Japanese rooms but also modern Western rooms, proposing new value suited to contemporary interiors. Furthermore, custom-made services allowing customers to choose patterns and hardware placement reflecting their preferences have emerged, evolving as “unique furniture” reflecting user individuality. Decorative techniques where tradition and innovation coexist are the reason Iwayado tansu continues to be loved across eras.
Three Appeals of Iwayado tansu (Iwayado traditional chest)
Iwayado tansu is a premier high-end Japanese chest representing Japan, inheriting approximately 240 years of tradition in the Iwayado district of Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. The dignity woven by heavy hardware inheriting Nambu ironware techniques, sturdy structure utilizing domestic zelkova solid wood, and deep luster from natural lacquer coating creates a presence that immediately conveys “special furniture.”
However, its appeal extends beyond mere appearance, encompassing multifaceted value including durability allowing continuous use for over a century, beauty deepening with aging, and individuality as one-of-a-kind pieces. Here, we will explain in detail the three appeals that make Iwayado tansu beloved as family treasures passed down through generations.
Overwhelming Presence and Warmth─Suitable for Both Japanese and Western Spaces
One appeal of Iwayado tansu is its overwhelming presence that elevates space status merely by placement. The solemnity created by heavy wrought iron hardware derived from Nambu ironware, structure showcasing beautiful zelkova solid wood grain, and deep luster of lacquer coating combine to create a special atmosphere that draws attention.
Yet it also possesses warmth and softness brought by natural wood and artisan handwork, conveying embracing power beyond mere intimidation. Placed in Japanese rooms, it provides formality and tranquility; installed in contemporary Western rooms, it harmonizes as antique-style accent, adding story to spaces.
Additionally, hardware and lacquer designs have subtle differences in each piece, strongly conveying handcrafted feel as craft items. This “design suitable for both Japanese and Western spaces” is highly valued in contemporary diverse lifestyle furniture selection.
Over Century Durability─Repair and Recoating for Multi-Generational Use
Iwayado tansu has been cherished not just as “lifetime furniture” but as “century furniture.” The secret lies in traditional joinery techniques composed only of wood joinery without nails and design utilizing sturdy domestic zelkova and paulownia wood.
Using techniques such as “sliding dovetail joints” and “three-way mitering” that resist warping and cracking even in Japan’s high humidity variation climate, it realizes furniture that can be used continuously across generations. Additionally, lacquer coating allows enjoyment of color and luster changes over time, and recoating is possible when peeling or deterioration occurs.
Furthermore, hardware is also wrought iron allowing repair and replating, with characteristics that increase flavor with use. Actually, many cases exist of reusing Iwayado tansu inherited from grandparents’ generation in contemporary homes, embodying a culture of “repair and inherit” rather than “disposable.” This longevity also aligns with sustainable living and fits contemporary values.
One-of-a-Kind Feel of Wood Grain and Hardware─Flavor Deepens with Use
Another major appeal of Iwayado tansu is the “one-of-a-kind feel” differing in each piece. Zelkova solid wood used for exterior has different grain and color for each tree, with craftsmen selecting the most beautiful parts during wood cutting stage.
This makes wood grain expression different even for same-type chests, strongly conveying that the furniture is “one and only in the world.” Additionally, wrought iron hardware derived from Nambu ironware is entirely handmade. Craftsmen hammer out auspicious patterns like crane-turtle and arabesque one by one and apply carving, so individuality dwells in every detail.
Furthermore, lacquer coating increases luster with use, and scratches and wear become part of unique flavor for owners only. This process of enjoying aging changes while nurturing furniture into one’s own provides special satisfaction unavailable from mass-produced items. Iwayado tansu transcends mere storage furniture, becoming an existence that adds story to living.
Conclusion
Iwayado tansu (Iwayado traditional chest) is a representative traditional craft of Japan, passed down for approximately 240 years in the Iwayado district of Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. The nail-free wood joinery structure using sturdy domestic zelkova wood, paulownia drawers with excellent moisture and insect resistance, heavy hardware decoration derived from Nambu ironware, and deep luster and brilliance from natural lacquer coating truly represent the crystallization of craftsmanship utilizing artisan expertise.
Its appeal lies not merely in beauty, but in durability allowing century-long inheritance, flavor deepening with age, and individuality as one-of-a-kind pieces. Iwayado tansu, which can be inherited across generations through repair and recoating, stands apart from disposable culture and represents a choice for realizing sustainable and rich living.
With design suitable for any space regardless of Japanese or Western style, it will continue to be loved by many as special furniture that weaves stories in daily life.
